Terms and Conditions

0. Summary

Root for Artists helps artists sell digital content (including music and videos), tickets, and receive tips from fans. By using the platform, you agree to these Terms and Conditions including the Music and Video Purchases policies below.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Root for Artists (“Service”), a product of ROOT TECHNOLOGIES, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, you may not use the Service.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old (or the minimum age of digital consent in your country) to use the Service. If you are under 18, you must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

3. Accounts

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. ROOT TECHNOLOGIES is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from unauthorized access to your account.

4. Artist Content

You retain ownership of any content you create and upload, including music, videos, images, and text. By posting content, you grant ROOT TECHNOLOGIES a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, display, and distribute your content solely for the purpose of operating and promoting the Service.

5. Platform Fees and Payments

Root for Artists is free to join and use. However, ROOT TECHNOLOGIES earns revenue by charging a 5% commission on successful sales and transactions, including ticket purchases and fan tips. Payments are securely processed through approved third-party payment providers.

You are responsible for reporting and paying any applicable taxes on income earned through the platform. ROOT TECHNOLOGIES is not responsible for users’ tax obligations.

6. Refund Policy

All ticket sales and fan tips made through Root for Artists are non-refundable. Once a payment is completed, it cannot be reversed or refunded. Please review event details carefully before making a purchase.

ROOT TECHNOLOGIES reserves the right to handle refunds only in exceptional cases such as technical errors or fraudulent transactions.

7. Music Purchases

When you purchase music (singles, albums, or tracks) on Root for Artists, you are purchasing a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to stream and access the music content for your own private, non-commercial use, subject to the access settings chosen by the artist (permanent access or time-limited access).

Access rights: You receive streaming access only. You do NOT receive ownership, copyright, distribution rights, or the ability to use the music commercially. Downloaded audio files (if provided) are for offline listening within the platform only and may include digital rights management (DRM) or watermarking.
Access window: If music is sold as time-limited, your access will expire at the end of the stated duration (e.g., 30 days, 90 days). Permanent access purchases remain available as long as the content is hosted on the platform and your account is in good standing.
No redistribution or piracy: You may NOT download (outside of authorized offline features), copy, record, rip, screen-capture audio, rebroadcast, publicly perform, remix without permission, resell, share access credentials, or otherwise distribute the music. Violators may face immediate account termination and legal action.
Copyright and ownership: All music content remains the exclusive property of the respective artist and/or copyright holders. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may violate copyright law.
Device and technical requirements: You are responsible for having a compatible device, modern web browser, sufficient internet bandwidth, and updated software to stream music. ROOT TECHNOLOGIES is not liable for playback issues caused by your device, network, or outdated software.
Refunds: Music purchases are generally non-refundable. We may provide a refund or replacement credit only if: (i) you are charged but do not receive access within 48 hours; (ii) you are charged multiple times for the same purchase due to a technical error; (iii) the music content is completely unavailable or unplayable due to a verified platform fault; or (iv) the artist removes the content within 7 days of your purchase without cause. All refund requests must be submitted within 14 days of purchase with supporting evidence.
Content availability and removal: Artists control their music catalog. If an artist removes music you purchased, we will make reasonable efforts to maintain your access for the duration of your license period. However, content may be removed immediately if required to comply with legal orders, copyright claims (DMCA), or platform policy violations. No refunds are guaranteed for artist-initiated removals after the first 7 days.
Quality and authenticity: ROOT TECHNOLOGIES does not guarantee the audio quality, authenticity, or accuracy of metadata (artist name, album title, etc.) for music uploaded by artists. Artists are solely responsible for ensuring they have the rights to sell their music and that it does not infringe on third-party rights.
Fraud prevention and chargebacks: We reserve the right to suspend access, freeze accounts, withhold artist payouts, or reverse transactions in cases of suspected fraud, payment disputes, chargebacks, stolen payment methods, or policy violations. Repeated chargebacks may result in permanent account termination.
Revenue sharing: ROOT TECHNOLOGIES retains a 5% platform fee on all music sales. The remaining 95% is paid to the artist, subject to successful payment processing and compliance with payout thresholds and schedules.
No resale or transfers: Music access licenses are non-transferable. You may not sell, gift, or transfer your access to another user. Sharing account credentials with others violates these Terms and may result in termination.
Platform liability: ROOT TECHNOLOGIES provides the marketplace, payment processing, and streaming infrastructure. We are NOT responsible for: (i) content quality or accuracy; (ii) artist conduct or disputes; (iii) copyright infringement claims related to artist-uploaded content; or (iv) any claims, damages, or losses arising from your use of purchased music.

By purchasing music on Root for Artists, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Music Purchase terms. Violation of these terms may result in immediate loss of access without refund and potential legal action.

8. Video Purchases

When you purchase access to a video on Root for Artists, you are purchasing a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to view the content for your own private, non-commercial use, subject to the access settings chosen by the artist (for example, permanent access or time-limited access).

Access window: If a video is sold as time-limited, your access will expire at the end of the stated duration. You are responsible for watching the content within that period.
No redistribution: You may not download, record, copy, rebroadcast, publicly perform, resell, share access links/tokens, or otherwise distribute the content. Any attempt to circumvent streaming protections is prohibited.
Device and network requirements: You are responsible for having a compatible device, software, and internet connection to stream the video.
Refunds: Video purchases are generally non-refundable. We may provide a refund or replacement only if: (i) you are charged but do not receive access within a reasonable time; (ii) you are charged more than once for the same purchase; or (iii) the content is unavailable due to a verified technical fault on our side. Requests must be made promptly and may require proof.
Content availability: Artists control their content. If content is removed, we will make reasonable efforts to maintain your access for the period you purchased; however, we may remove content to comply with law or policy.
Fraud and chargebacks: We may suspend access, withhold payouts, or reverse transactions in cases of suspected fraud, chargebacks, or policy violations.

ROOT TECHNOLOGIES provides the platform and payment processing. Artists are solely responsible for the content they upload and any claims relating to that content.

9. Acceptable Use Policy

Root for Artists maintains an Acceptable Use Policy to ensure a safe, legal, and respectful environment for all users. By using the platform, you agree to comply with these content and conduct guidelines.

9.1 Prohibited Content

You may NOT upload, post, share, or distribute content that:

Violates copyright or intellectual property rights: Content you do not own or have explicit permission to use (including unauthorized samples, beats, covers, remixes, or copyrighted material)
Contains hate speech or discrimination: Content that promotes violence, hatred, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
Depicts illegal activities: Content promoting, glorifying, or instructing illegal acts, including drug trafficking, violence, terrorism, or exploitation
Is sexually explicit or pornographic: Nudity, sexual acts, or sexually suggestive content involving minors or non-consenting individuals
Contains violence or gore: Graphic depictions of violence, abuse, injury, death, or torture intended to shock or disturb
Promotes self-harm or suicide: Content encouraging or instructing self-injury, eating disorders, or suicide
Is fraudulent or deceptive: Scams, phishing attempts, misleading information, impersonation, or false claims
Violates privacy: Sharing private information (doxxing), revenge content, or non-consensual intimate images
Constitutes harassment or bullying: Targeted abuse, threats, intimidation, or coordinated harassment campaigns
Contains malware or harmful code: Viruses, spyware, or any malicious software

9.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

Harass, threaten, stalk, or abuse other users
Spam, send unsolicited messages, or engage in excessive self-promotion
Impersonate another person, artist, or entity
Attempt to hack, reverse-engineer, scrape, or disrupt the platform's security or functionality
Create multiple accounts to evade bans, manipulate metrics, or abuse the platform
Sell, transfer, or share account credentials with third parties
Use the platform for money laundering, fraud, or any illegal financial activity
Manipulate or artificially inflate views, plays, purchases, or engagement metrics
Circumvent payment processing, DRM protections, or access controls

9.3 Artist Content Responsibilities

As an artist on Root for Artists, you affirm that:

You own all rights to the content you upload or have obtained proper licenses and permissions
Your music, videos, and images do not infringe on any third-party copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property
You have cleared all samples, beats, loops, and interpolations used in your music
You have the right to sell and monetize the content you upload
Any perks, benefits, or rewards promised to fans will be fulfilled in a timely and professional manner
Your artist profile, bio, and promotional materials are truthful and not misleading

9.4 Enforcement and Reporting

ROOT TECHNOLOGIES reserves the right to review, monitor, and remove any content or accounts that violate this Acceptable Use Policy. Enforcement actions may include:

Content Removal: Immediate takedown of violating content without prior notice
Account Warnings: Formal warnings for first-time or minor violations
Account Suspension: Temporary suspension for repeated or serious violations
Account Termination: Permanent ban for severe or repeated violations
Withholding Payouts: Freezing earnings pending investigation of fraudulent or illegal activity
Legal Action: Reporting illegal activity to law enforcement authorities

9.5 How to Report Violations

If you encounter content or conduct that violates this policy, please report it to us immediately:

📧 Email: support@root.africa
Include: URL of the content, description of the violation, and any supporting evidence

We review all reports and take appropriate action in accordance with this policy and applicable law. Reports are handled confidentially.

9.6 DMCA Copyright Claims

If you believe your copyrighted work has been infringed, please submit a DMCA takedown notice to support@root.africa with:

Description of the copyrighted work
URL of the infringing content on our platform
Your contact information
Statement of good faith belief that use is unauthorized
Statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate
Your physical or electronic signature

By using Root for Artists, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy. Violations may result in immediate account termination without refund and potential legal consequences.

10. Fan Tips & Artist Donations

Root for Artists offers a Fan Tips feature that allows fans to financially support artists directly. For detailed information about platform fees, pricing for all features (music, videos, shows, and fan tips), and payment terms, please visit our Pricing & Platform Fees page.

Key Points:

Non-Refundable: All fan tips and donations are non-refundable once processed
Platform Fee: 5% commission is charged on all tips to cover payment processing and platform operations
Perk Fulfillment: Artists must deliver any promised perks or benefits in a timely manner. Failure to fulfill commitments may result in disputes and account suspension
Tax Responsibility: Artists are responsible for reporting tip income to tax authorities. ROOT TECHNOLOGIES does not withhold taxes
Direct Support: Tips go directly to artists (minus platform fees) and are paid out according to the artist's payout schedule

11. Prohibited Conduct

In addition to the Acceptable Use Policy above, you agree not to use the Service for any unlawful or harmful activity. ROOT TECHNOLOGIES reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at our discretion if you violate these Terms or engage in misuse. You may stop using the Service at any time by deactivating your account.

13. Disclaimers

The Service is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. ROOT TECHNOLOGIES does not guarantee uninterrupted, secure, or error-free access to the Service.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, ROOT TECHNOLOGIES and its affiliates will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Service.

15. Changes to Terms

ROOT TECHNOLOGIES may modify or update these Terms from time to time. Updates will be effective upon posting. Continued use of the Service after updates means you accept the revised Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

17. Contact

For questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us at support@root.africa.